PM Comparison Test - The New B-Cars: Introduction

Oct 30, 2009

Tune in next week as we conduct our next West Coast road test with the Honda Fit, Kia Rio, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris. These are all recently introduced new models and collectively referred to in the auto biz as B-segment cars. That means they're not the most lusted-after in terms of luxury and panache, but their sub-$15K price tags make them the rides that normal working folk--particularly first-time buyers--can actually afford. Plus, they're short but spacious so they make good city cars, too. But make no mistake, these new nameplates (with the exception of Rio) are not your 1980s-era econoboxes. They all can be had with significant features such as six airbags, which was unheard of in this price class just five years ago. Still, we can't wait to wring 'em out on the track and street to show you what they're really made of.--Ken Juran

This is the Toyota Racing Development tuner Yaris that was on display at the SEMA show last year. Although our tester version won't look this phat (nor will its competitors), it does hint at the possibilities of stylin' up an inexpensive car to separate yours from everyone else's.